SCARLETS
DISCUSSION POINTS
They may not have lifted a trophy in May but the fact Scarlets made another league final appearance and reached the Champions Cup semis, particularly after losing the first two pool games, showed the region is still making progress. Progress for which Wayne Pivac has been rewarded with the Wales head coach job post-RWC 2019.
Their sizzling attack ensures opponents feel the heat and there has been plenty of focus on counter-attack in pre-season, not only to improve their fitness but their awareness and positioning. Their defence impresses, too, with only Glasgow and Munster conceding fewer than Scarlets’ 43 tries in the regular season.
Jonathan Davies will be itching to get back on the field after a long injury lay-off and he should form an effective partnership with Hadleigh Parkes while new boy Kieron Fonotia offers a physical alternative in midfield too.
KEY MAN
With John Barclay and Tadhg Beirne heading to their homelands, and Aaron Shingler sidelined until December, James Davies will find himself shouldering a lot of responsibility at the breakdown. He made ten Pro14 turnovers last season but that is nowhere near the heady heights of Beirne’s 37. He needs to be a nuisance in the contact area as well as in the wide channels.
ONE TO WATCH
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne went off the boil in Scotland in recent seasons and will hope a move to West Wales has the same rejuvenating effects as it did on John Barclay. Gareth Davies is first-choice nine but this Scot will be sure to make an impact from the bench.
WHAT’S REALISTIC?
Finishing in the top two places in Conference B is well within their grasp – and they will want another big European run too.
IF THEY WERE MUSICIANS…
Michael Jackson – Smooth moves, varied beats. It’s time for a thriller!